Step 9: Pinata furry part, attaching head and mouth

Step 10: The Destruction

And finally, the last step in any pinata, the destruction.

This year my nieces requested a Spongebob Squarepants pinata. The challenge is to make the rectangular shape using paper maiche. If you use cardboard as a base for the pinata, it may well be too difficult to break, especially amongst pre-kindergarten age kids.

Step 1: Flat sheet paper maiche

The trick is to make reasonably flat sheets of paper maiche from which to form Spongebob's body. The overall dimensions I'm making are 12"X16"X4" for the body. The top and bottom will be cardboard for stability and for connecting the sheets together; it won't prevent the main body from being broken.

First, I prep the support I will be using to build up the sheets. I am using a piece of plywood, laminated with formica top, with a generous amount of vaseline smeared all over. The vaseline will be key in getting the sheets off the top.

Prep the newspaper. I like to cut in consistent size squares, about 2" for this project.

Step 2: Laying the sheet

I mix the flour, glue and water. I soak the paper and lay it on the board in a consistent manner so I can track where I am. I want to make about 4 layers total. In retrospect, maybe 6 or 7 layers might have been perfect -- an 8 year old destroyed the pinata on his second swing; giving everyone a second round might have been worth it.

I won't go into all the details of paper maiche; I'm sure there is plenty of details on the internet. I used about 6 parts water to 6 parts flour to 1 part glue. Was about the perfect consistency, not too watery and the glue additive makes it strong enough and dry quickly enough (about 1 day in medium humidity).

Step 3: Drying the Sheet

After a couple of hours, the sheet will begin to get dry around the edges, and be somewhat workable. At this point I separated the sheet from the table using a straightedge. I peel the piece up carefully, and flip the sheet over to increase drying on the downside.

I used a 'foam safe' 2 part epoxy, the kind used for fiberglass or carbon fiber. But not the auto store type resin, that will melt the glue. You might also use 5 min epoxy, or possibly even something like wood glue. As well, I think you would paint it directly with acrylic paint (not too watered down).